"After years of failing to acknowledge his mistakes and accept responsibility for his actions, Mr. Pettigrew is now stepping forward and doing so by returning the medal that was unfairly won at the 2000 Olympic Games. We are pleased that he is now accepting responsibility and taking this step.

We are also pleased that Mr. Johnson has voluntarily chosen to return his medal from the 4x400 meter relay, which we believe is an example that others should follow. Mr. Johnson's action underscores his commitment to uphold the values of clean competition and further enhances his status as a great Olympic champion.

The admission by Mr. Pettigrew and other athletes who have admitted to doping during the 2000 Games has only strengthened our resolve to field a clean team in Beijing. The only medals we are interested in are those that are won by athletes who compete clean."

For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529.